Swainson's Hawk in Golden LightSwainson’s Hawk in Golden Light – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I often write about how I prefer to photograph my subjects in “sweet light” which means not long after sunrise or just before sunset. This image of a Swainson’s Hawk in golden light was taken not long after the sun rose and I love how the light seems to make the hawk glow. It would not have glowed like this if the image had been taken even 30 minutes later.

The hawk was perched on a fence post next to a road and I was only able to get a few frames of it because a log truck was coming from behind.

The white spot on its forehead appears to be a small white feather, I am not sure if the feather belongs to the hawk or if it just some how was stuck on its forehead. It might be a feather from its chin? One of life’s little mysteries.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.